Monthly Archives: March 2011

Please see Part 1of this article for more on Giant Centipedes, Scolopendra gigantea, including escape stories and a video of a bat-hunting centipede in Trinidad.

Centipede Diversity

Over 3,000 species, classified within the invertebrate order Chilopoda, have been identified to date. Many more will certainly come to light in time – several years ago a new centipede was discovered in the heart of New York City’s Central Park (please see article linked in Part 1). All, including the thinly-built and ubiquitous House Centipede (please see photo in Part 1), are capable of inflicting painful bites; fatalities, while unlikely, have occurred. Read More »

March 29, 2011Comments Off on Lessons Learned – An Anole-Keeping 1960’s Flashback4464 Views

Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis) were one of the first lizards to be widely available in the US pet trade. Although there were bright spots, our knowledge of their needs was severely lacking, and millions met untimely ends as a result (Horned Lizards, Phrynosoma spp., the other trade staple at the time, remain difficult captives still). Today we (and they!) fare better, but as my own experience indicates, the road has been rocky… Read More »

While pet-keeping suffices for many herp enthusiasts, some with particularly deep interests can only be happy when working with reptiles and amphibians full time. My own path to career in herpetology, while twisted (even “tortuous” at times!), was well worth the struggle…as you can see by the attached photos, I’m very fortunate (please also see this article). In Part 1I highlighted several important steps one can take to lay the foundation for a career in herpetology. Following are some further thoughts. Read More »

March 22, 2011Comments Off on Huge African Spurred Tortoise Found Living in Arizona Desert – Part 27582 Views

From Water Hyacinths to Norway Rats, introduced species are one of the leading causes of animal population declines and extinctions worldwide. Introduced turtles, while not usually viewed in this light, can be problematic…feral Red-Eared Sliders, for example, are out-competing native turtles in many countries (please see article below). Please see Part 1of this article for more information on African Spurred Tortoises, Geochelone sulcata, in Arizona.

Disease Transmission

Disease introduction is a particularly serious concern when an animal is introduced into the range of a relative, as is the case with African Spurred Tortoises in Arizona.

Native Desert Tortoise, Gopherus agassizii, populations, already fragile, could be decimated by a disease or parasite that may be carried by, but is relatively harmless to, Spurred Tortoises. This was a common occurrence in zoos when related animals from different parts of the globe were exhibited together, and the chief reason why I advise pet-keepers against the practice. Read More »

Through several odd twists of fate – for one born in the Bronx, NY and without the means to travel as a child – I’ve found myself with numerous lifelong connections and friends in Japan. I’ve also had the good fortune of spending considerable time with the staff at several institutions there, including the Ueno Zoo, Tama Zoo, Enoshima Aquarium and Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium. I spent the first days and nights of this month’s disaster checking on friends and colleagues via phone and internet, and have had good and bad news….I don’t have the right words to explain further, and doubt I ever will. I’m now gathering information on zoos and aquariums in northern Honshu (the crisis zone) and would like to pass along this update.

First, however, please allow me to direct you to some reliable sites that are accepting donations for the people of Japan. A massive relief effort is being spearheaded by the NYC-based Japan Society. I’m very familiar with the organization and can vouch for its integrity. You can learn how to help by clicking here.

A Paradise for Zoo and Aquarium Fans

Japan’s Zoos have long specialized in smaller creatures…given my own interests, I was happy to see that Japanese Common Toads (nothing “common” about their colors, please see photo), Japanese Flying Squirrels (one species is the size of a house cat!), scorpions and the like are favored over hippos, lions and elephants. Japanese hobbyists’ and entomologists’ work with insects and other invertebrates is nothing short of unbelievable – I was floored by the Tama Zoo’s giant insect house and its huge walk-through “aviary” for insects. Japan’s aquariums are among the worlds finest, and thrilled me with tiny, as yet un-named deep sea crustaceans, giant Spider Crabs, Whale Sharks and much more.

This focus on small animals may help some institutions in weathering the crisis, but of course it is not clear at this point how any will fare.

The Scope of the Crisis

Fortunately there have not been, as far as is known, human injuries or fatalities at any zoos or aquariums.

Several aquariums have been hard-hit by the loss of power. Filtration and other life support systems shut down at Sendai’s Matsushima Aquarium and the Fukushima Aquarium, with a consequent loss of fish and invertebrate life. However, as of last report, the marine mammals and birds fared well, and are being moved to Kamogawa Sea World. Of course, all vehicular movement is being coordinated by Japan’s Self Defense Forces, and forecasts are impossible to make.

Other institutions without power and likely to be critically low on food and supplies include Sendai’s Yagiyama Zoo, the Akita Omoriyama Zoo, the Morioka Zoo, the Hitachi Carmine Zoo and the Asamushi Aquarium.

Report from a Zookeeper

A friend working at Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo reports that zoo staffers everywhere are splitting their time between people in need and the animal collections, as circumstances dictate. Cooperation among the various institutions, always impressive, is at an all-time high.

Certainly the Japanese people, on the whole, love their zoos and aquariums. Ueno Zoo, despite being a mere 35 acres in size, yearly attracts 3-4 times the visitors as does the 600+ acre Bronx Zoo (at my last check, several years ago)!

How You Can Help

The Japan Zoo and Aquarium Association is coordinating a relief effort on behalf of Japan’s animal caretakers and captive animals. People who may be able to help in any manner – donations, hands-on, ideas – are asked to send an email to kanako-jaza@pony.ocn.ne.jp. You can read an appeal and information letter from JAZA here.

A simple means of contributing money online has also been established by the World Zoo Association. Please click here to donate.

You can also help by emailing zoochat.com at Japanzoorelief@gmail.com; ideas, information and donations are all needed.

I realize that I’ve strayed a bit from our usual topics here, and thank you for your understanding, Frank Indiviglio.

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